By Al Hain-Cole

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Jan 8, 2013 11:55:00

Both these sides have exceeded expectations just by reaching this stage in the Capital One Cup, and Al Hain-Cole expects them to serve up a memorable encounter full of goals

Tuesday’s Capital One Cup semi-final, first-leg brings together two teams that few would have expected to get this far in the competition, as League Two outfit Bradford City play hosts to Premier League strugglers Aston Villa.

The Bantams have put Wigan and Arsenal to the sword in the previous two rounds, and you can get odds of 7/2 (4.50) with Bet365 on them beating another top-flight opponent in this game.

Paul Lambert has led his team to shock away victories over both Manchester City and an in-form Norwich to reach this point in the competition, and they are 4/5 (1.80) favourites to pick up another win on the road on Tuesday.

The hosts’ last three games in the cup have resulted in a draw in normal time, so odds of 3/1 (4.00) could seem tempting for this game to finish all square.

But there may be better odds in the goals markets here.

No Premier League side has conceded more goals this season than Villa, who let in 15 in just three games over the festive period.

However, Lambert’s men have been busiest at the other end of the pitch in this competition, having scored 14 times in their four ties cup so far.

A bet on over 2.5 goals to be scored would have paid out in all four of the Midlanders’ Capital One Cup encounters so far, as well as each of their last six matches in all competitions, so it certainly seems to be where the smart money lies this evening, at odds of 4/5 (1.80).

Considering Villa’s recent defensive struggles, it would take a brave man to bet against the hosts getting on the score sheet at the Coral Windows Stadium.

The player most likely to hit the back of the net for Phil Parkinson’s men is probably Alan Connell, who has bagged four goals in his last five games.

The in-form forward has been entrusted with penalty duties recently, and offers great value at odds of 11/4 (3.75) to hit the back of the net in front of a packed home crowd.

Al Hain-Cole is a Liverpool fan, experienced tipster and avid follower of European football. He specialises in accumulators and if you would like to read more from Al you can follow him on Twitter here.